"Wimbo wa Kimataifa" is the Swahili version of The Internationale.
The Internationale is a socialist anthem that was originally composed in French by Eugène Pottier in 1871, after the fall of the Paris Commune. The lyrics advocate for solidarity, class struggle, and internationalism among the working class. The melody was later created by Pierre De Geyter in 1888. Over the years, the song has been translated into numerous languages and embraced as an anthem by various leftist and labour movements around the globe.
In Kenya, the Communist Party Marxist - Kenya (CPMK) adopted "The Internationale" as its official anthem during its second national congress in November 2024. The Swahili version of the anthem was introduced to contextualize global socialist struggles within the local realities faced by Kenyan workers and peasants.
Significance.
The adaptation also serves as a significant political statement, ensuring that socialist concepts resonate with Kenya's diverse linguistic population. Through this anthem, CPMK seeks to enhance the accessibility of socialist ideals among the local populace and to unite workers and peasants in their fight against oppression, inequality, and imperialism.
The song has been part of the party's repertoire of songs and poems; and its initial Kiswahili translation done by the national chairman, Mwandawiro Mghanga. An audio recording of the anthem, performed by the CPK Band in 2020, was released in 2021.
Lyrics.
Zindukeni enyi wafanyikazi
Nyanyukeni tokeni kifungoni
Amkeni wafungwa kueni macho
Mwisho wa enzi za dhulma.
Ondokeni kwana ushirikina
Halaiki zindukeni
Tuwachane na nyendo za zamani
Kukuteni vumbi tujikomboe
Korasi
"Enyi ndugu na enyi dada"
"Tupambane hadi mwisho"
"Wimbo wetu wa kimataifa"
"Na utu-unganishe"
"Wazalendo tushikaneni"
"Tupambane hadi mwisho"
"Wimbo wetu wa kimataifa"
"Watuunganisha"
2.
Wadhalimu wasitigwanye
Wasipande chuki kati yetu
Hata jeshi letu litaasi
Kutumikia wanyanyasaji
Hawa walafi wakitujaribu
Tawatao kafara sisi
Tuko tayari kuwapiga risasi
Majemadari wa ubepari
3.
Ukombozi hautoki mbinguni
Wala huruma za wadhalimu
Ni mkono wetu wa kulia
Utakao ng'oa visiki
Na mizizi ya vita na chuki
Na ulafi na wasiwasi
Kila mtu ana jukumu lake
Chuma hugongwa kingali moto